Melanocytic nevus diagnostic study of choice
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: ; Roukoz A. Karam, M.D.[2]
Overview
Diagnostic Study of Choice
Study of choice
Biopsy is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of melanocytic nevus.
The preferred biopsy technique for lesions suspicious for melanoma is one that allows histologic examination of the entire lesion.
Indications for biopsy of melanocytic nevus include:
- Nevi on the palms or soles with mottled pigmentation or that are > 5 mm in diameter
- Nevi originating in the nail matrix that present as single bands of dark color or are ≥ 4 mm wide
- Nevi with irregular outline and/or color variation, areas of gray-blue or white regression, areas of pink or red color, or a history of rapid change or symptom
- An atypical nevus that has different clinical characteristics as compared to the remainder of the nevi in a given patient
- A halo nevus in which the central nevus has atypical or worrisome features
- A cellular blue nevus that has developed a superimposed change
- A Spitz nevus with atypical clinical features such as diameter >1 cm, asymmetry, or ulceration
Diagnostic results
The following findings on performing a skin biopsy are confirmatory for melanocytic nevus: